We take pride in the quality of our courses, which are offered with great attention to the art and the science of pastry. The classes focus on artistry, visual presentation, theory, method, and technique, giving you the knowledge required for a successful pastry career.

Be they glamorous, traditional, or whimsical, a lot of hard work and vision goes into making a bride’s wedding dreams come true. Get a step ahead of the competition with Chef Marina Sousa in this four-day, hands-on course about wedding cake decoration and business.

The class will begin with conversations of design style, inspiration and meeting clients requests and expectations. We will explore color theory and the role it plays in a cohesive design. Students will sketch cakes based on provided inspiration pieces to demonstrate the importance of communicating visually with their clients.

We will delve into a variety of techniques that can be used for most any designs and discuss different methods for achieving similar results to fit within a clients budget.

Demi stations will include:

hand painting with edible oil paint

cake borders- 12 different ways!

a bas relief technique using fondant that will create a beautiful detailed textured surface

All of the techniques we cover will be incorporated into a four tiered cake design.

Along with learning the signature techniques that Chef Sousa has made famous through her high profile clients and appearances on Food Network, she will share her insight into the business of running a successful cake design studio.

About the Chef:
Nationally-recognized through her many first-place winning appearances on Food Network Challenge, Marina Sousa has been the owner and head designer at her cake boutique, Just Cake, in California since 2003. Chef Marina started her life in theater and fashion design and discovered her passion and talent for cake decorating at an upscale cake design studio in Beverly Hills. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Napa Valley and holds a degree in Baking and Pastry Arts. Chef Sousa’s work has since been featured in several magazines including InStyle, Bride, Modern Bride, and People. Additionally, she has had the privilege of designing cakes for high-profile celebrities and celebrity events including wedding cakes for Brad Pitt/Jennifer Aniston, Raquel Welch and a Sweet 16 cake for Miley Cyrus. Most recently, she was named one of the “Top Ten Cake Artists in America” by Dessert Professional.

This course is approved by the American Culinary Federation for 28 Continuing Education Hours (CEH's).